This blanket coverage makes developers want to use HTML5: not only do all of the modern browsers support it, meaning the apps can be used by a larger number of people, but it brings together the mobile and web developer communities. It gives us strength in numbers.

We can do all of this while using the best and latest tools. Take CSS3 for instance. When it is used in conjunction with HTML5, the visual styling possibilities are brilliant. We can create rounded corners and shadows with just a few lines of code, as opposed to image-slicing our way to chic design. The time saved on styling allows us to focus our efforts on the things that really matter, such as the testing process.

With simplicity comes efficiency and, as we know, the prospect of speeding up the development process is invaluable. Also, with fewer files and images that need to be downloaded, apps can be loaded faster, which really bumps up the user experience. Learn more about CSS3 and how it works in tandem with HTML5 on this introductory video on the Intel Developer Zone.

But the overriding reason why HTML5 is so popular is its hospitality to the really small screen: the mobile. The support from browsers, companies and developers themselves means that it is easier than ever to deploy websites and web apps on both desktop and mobile devices.

• This blog post is written by Softtalkblog, and is sponsored by the Intel Developer Zone, which helps you to develop, market and sell software and apps for prominent platforms and emerging technologies powered by Intel Architecture.